By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Pride of Tallassee High School Marching Band enjoyed the support of music lovers last week at the Elmore County Night of Bands. But the moment has been years in the making for senior drum majors Kinsley Glasscock and Amari
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Go to any school in Elmore County or Tallassee City Schools and a visitor will see or hear of facility wants. In Wetumpka it’s a performing arts center. In Tallassee it’s a new track. In Eclectic and Holtville it’s a new high school. For almost two decades the Alabama State Department of Education has required
capital plans for these types of projects.
“It’s for when the state is discussing things with legislators about funding,” Elmore County Schools superintendent Richard Dennis said. “It allows them to see what the needs and wants are so that maybe we can get some state funding when it’s available.”
Just because a proj ect
MARK ALLEN “HD” MAHONEY
Mark Allen “HD” Mahoney, 60, of Tallassee, died Thursday, September 12, 2024, at his home. Funeral services will be Sunday, September 15, 2024, at 2:00 pm at Corbitt’s Funeral Home with
WILLIAM M. “BILL” HARKINS
Rev. John Sparks officiat-
ing. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 pm.
Mr. Mahoney is survived by his wife of 38 years Becca Mahoney; his children Jeremy (Carrie) Miller, Joshua Miller, and
Mr. William M. “Bill” Harkins, a resident of Auburn, Alabama, passed away Thursday, September 19, 2024, at the age of 86. He was born July 8, 1938, in Tallassee, Alabama, to Claude Lee and Ruth Thornhill Harkins.
Mr. Harkins is survived by his son, Lee Harkins (Mary) and their sons, Larson and Smith Harkins; son, Jason Harkins (Nikki) and their daughters, Taylor Harkins Davis (John) and Colee Harkins Britton (Scott); great grandson, William Everett Davis; and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Julie Smith Harkins; parents, Claude and Ruth Harkins and his brother, Claude Harkins.
William grew up in Tallassee, AL where he cultivated his love for outdoors and baseball. He spent many years hunting, fishing, and playing ball. After high school, William served in the Army where he was stationed in Germany for two years. He then attended Troy University in 1961 where he played baseball and still holds the record for most strikeouts in a seven-inning game (17). Shortly after, he married Julie and moved to Birmingham where
TALLASSEE POLICE
DEPARTMENT
SEPT. 22
• A welfare check was conducted on Notasulga Road.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• Reckless driving was reported on Ransom Drive.
• Harassment was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Friendship Road.
• Theft was reported on Macedonia Road.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Dorman Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic incident was reported on Azalea Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Dorman Avenue.
SEPT. 21
• Suspicious activity was reported on Herd Street.
• An animal complaint was reported on Joy Street.
• An abandoned vehicle was reported on South Tallassee Drive.
• Assistance was given to another agency on Washington Boulevard.
Jeneé P. Mahoney (Ronnie Baker); his grandchildren Jamarcus Miller, Jonovan Miller, Jordan Miller, TyKia Anthony, Janessa Miller, Cain Palmer, Joshua Miller, Jake Miller, Gabriel Marsh, Danielle Marsh, Jasmine Meredith,
they started their family. Afterwards, they decided to make Auburn, AL their home.
William and Julie ran a dining hall (Windsor Dining Hall) for a number of years where they formed countless relationships with students and families. These relationships extended outside of the dining hall through William’s mentorship. William offered them jobs, housing, and a second family. He similarly mentored many other young men through coaching sports and hunting. The impact William had on these lives is immeasurable.
In 2023, William received a Life Patron Membership award from The Bird Dog Foundation. This award acknowledged William’s 40 plus years spent breeding, training, handling, and judging field trials, as well as his recruitment of other participants in the sport. William took the time and made the effort to help young people in the sport by housing horses and dogs. He took in many young people throughout the years that otherwise would have passed through Auburn without knowing or participating in field trials. Many people leave their mark as hosts, breeders, handlers, and
• Reckless driving was reported on Hall Farm Road.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Lower Tuskegee Drive.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Notasulga Road.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
SEPT. 20
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Gilmer Avenue.
• Gunfire was reported on Wall Street.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on South Tallassee Drive.
• Suspicious activity was reported on Powers Avenue.
• Criminal mischief was reported on Rec Center Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Willow Street.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Oak Heights Road.
• Animal control was requested on Kent Road.
SEPT. 19
• An animal complaint was reported on Manning Circle.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.
• A private property
and Billi Baker; six great grandchildren; his mother Joan Mahoney; and his sister Donna (Bob) Camp. He enjoyed cooking out and spending time with his family and friends, riding his bike, and fishing.
owners, but William left his legacy by pouring into the future generation of this sport.
William was tough, loving, hardworking and known for his old school mentality. He passed these values along to his entire family, including the circle of close friends that were just as strong as any biological family. However, he was most proud of the ones who called him “Papaw” - Taylor, Colee, Larson, Smith, and Will. Also included were his honorary grandchildren, Walker, Luker, and Patrick Davidson, as well as many children of close friends, all of whom he loved as his own.
The family will receive friends Monday, September 23, 2024, from 1:00PM until service time at 2:00PM, at Jeffcoat Funeral Home Chapel, Pastor Jim Tate officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one’s favorite charity. On-line condolences are available at www.jeffcoatfuneralhome.com
Jeffcoat Funeral Home Directing Tallassee, Alabama
accident was reported on Ashurst Bar Road.
• Animal control was requested on Ashurst Avenue.
• Theft was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Floyd Lane.
• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Central Boulevard.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Freeman Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Hanil Drive.
• Animal control was requested on Ashurst Avenue and Little Road. SEPT. 18
• Assistance was given to another agency on Friendship Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Upper River Road.
• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.
• Harassing communications was reported on James Street.
• Theft was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• Animal control was requested on Gilmer Avenue.
• A welfare check was conducted on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Sylvan Lane.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• Animal control was requested on Ashurst Avenue.
• Harassment was reported on Highway 229.
• Animal control was requested on Upper River Road.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Central Boulevard. SEPT. 17
• A suspicious person was reported on South Tallassee Drive.
• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Barnett Boulevard.
• A juvenile complaint was reported on Rickey Lane.
• Disorderly conduct was reported on Friendship Road.
• Harassment was reported on Hillcrest Street.
• Trespassing was reported on Manning Circle.
• A Black female was arrested during a traffic stop on Third Street.
• A welfare check was conducted on Washington Street.
• A private property motor vehicle accident was reported on Quail Run Drive.
• Animal control was requested on McArthur Street, Highway 229 and Magnolia Street. SEPT. 16
• A white female was arrested on Sims Avenue.
You’re capable of more than you think
No matter what you think, no dream is too big to achieve.
People dream of different things — careers, homes,
wealth and more. While people may view others who have the things they dream about, they might think to themselves, “I could never achieve that.” However, that is farthest from the truth.
Some may believe that others achieved the dreams they did because they had different skills, backgrounds or other foundations that gave them a step up to achieving those dreams. While that may be true for some, most people have to start somewhere.
Apple, a multi-billion dollar company that plays a large role in today’s society, got its start in Steve Jobs’ garage.
Two teachers and a writer gathered together in the early 1970s to create a Seattle-based coffee shop that ended up being what we know now as Starbucks.
Mattel was a failing picture frame business run out of a garage. After using scraps from old picture frames to create dolls, the inception of Barbie came about.
You never know what you’re capable of until you try. Although trying new things can be scary, you never know what will happen until you try. Put yourself out there. Learn about how others achieved their goals. Picture yourself living your dream life.
Instead of waiting around and waiting for that aha moment, step out of your comfort zone and try something you’ve never done before. Everything starts from something, and it could lead into a ripple effect that creates something huge.
Patience is also a virtue when it comes to pursuing one’s dreams. While trying something new can be uncomfortable, you have to keep trying to eventually see results.
Be patient and give new things a try. You never know what could come from it.
Obituaries:
the email. Announcements will appear within 10 days in The Tribune, The Herald or The Observer.
By now, most people know I’m what you call a “transplant.”
I don’t hail from Alexander City originally – or even Alabama for that matter. I don’t have family in the area, and I didn’t come here for or with anybody but myself. But now, I most certainly call this place home and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. I’m fairly close with my family still, texting with my dad in Mexico most every day and checking in with my brother and his kids constantly
However I’ve been struck lately by the family I’ve built. See, I truly believe family is what you make it. Of course there is my family by blood, and I’ll always love and care about them. But there’s also my family by marriage. When I married Charles Gwin, I married into a huge family – something I wasn’t exactly used to.
One of six siblings, Charles introduced me to what it truly means to have a clan, and they are most certainly my tribe now. Charles grew up in a blended family too. He has one fully biological sister and the rest are either step siblings or half siblings. His father isn’t biologically his. But we have a phrase in our family, “There aren’t
any steps here.” Much like how my father-in-law calls me his daughter; we’re not in-laws, after all; we’re family.
I also have my family by choice. Some of my closest friends have been developed right here in Alabama, and I know they will be lifelong allies.
That’s not to mention my TPI family right here at work. These are people I truly rely on and trust with my life. As journalists, we get put through the ringer on an almost daily basis, and if I didn’t have these people supporting me I’m not sure what I’d do.
I’ve been reminded of the importance of family over the last week or so as my father-in-law, Willie, had open heart surgery last week. It was supposed to be a triple bypass surgery – one of the more serious ones you can have – but he ended up needing five bypasses. It was a
scary situation to be sure.
praying and wishing him the best, and he came out on top of the sur gery. He’s still in recovery mode, and it’s reminded me just how much a tribe can help.
you’d do if you had to have surgery that caused you to lose basically all functions for several weeks? He can’t drive, can’t lift anything over 10 pounds, can’t barely walk on his own. He, more than ever, needs a tribe.
us siblings have been taking shifts to take care of him. He’s got a small army of worker bees, to be sure. a family you can count on. Whether that’s
In this presidential election season, it is easy to get caught up in the partisan politics along with the rest of the world. Name-calling, mud-slinging, and sometimes even flat-out lying are all, sadly, a part of the process and show no signs of going away. It makes one ponder, why would anyone want to be President of the United States if this is how they have to get the job?
I set aside a few nights recently to reflect on some of our more memorable presidents of the past hundred years: Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt; Ronald Reagan; and Bill Clinton. Two Democrats, two Republicans.
Working in reverse, here is a recent documentary about the Clintons that one may find interesting as it pertains to more recent events – it can be argued that Hillary Clinton’s defeat in the 2016 presidential election can somehow trace its origins to the conspiracy theories that began their embryonic journey during the Clinton years. This week, we begin with a review of an excellent documentary series.
THE CLINTON AFFAIR
(A&E, AMAZON PRIME)
The 1992 presidential election featured a three-way contest between George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Ross Perot. It has often been said, if you like sausage then don’t go to the factory to see how they make it. Watching this series was fascinating as one traveled back in time to see how the sausage was made! This documentary aired over six nights on the A&E Network, but is also available to binge watch on Amazon Prime. The first episode covers William Jefferson Clinton’s backstory and rise to power as Governor of Arkansas in the 1980s. He emerged
as a nationally known figure who had an uncanny gift for making you feel like you were the only person in the room when he was talking to you; he also could be folksy and funny, and often appeared on talk and variety shows playing his saxophone. And yet, Clinton’s win in 1992 marked the end of the dominance of the Greatest Generation that shaped history from the Depression through World War II and the end of the Cold War, and brought with it a “me decade” sensibility for those who came of age in the 1960s and 1970s. Clinton’s ascendance happened alongside talk radio and cable news, both with insatiable appetites for 24/7 opinions. And, as the second and third episodes get rolling, the viewer finds that Clinton’s charisma just about caused his undoing when past indiscretions were revealed. It could also be argued, and this series makes a point to inform the viewer, that Hillary Rodham Clinton may have been the President’s greatest asset – as well as his greatest liability. Hillary is shown to be even more aggressively aspirational than her husband, but coldly calculating and absent of the cool charm possessed by her husband. In the 1990s, the Whitewater investigation led by Kenneth Starr dominated news cycles alongside the O.J. Simpson trial. Watching the middle episodes of this series will jog your memory: the Rose Law Firm, Vince Foster, and Jim
and Susan McDougal are all there. And for all the conservative conspiracy theories born in that era, nothing would stick to the Clintons except rumored skullduggery. The final two episodes focus on Paula Jones, Gennifer Flowers, Juanita Broaddick, and Monica Lewinsky. Ms. Lewinsky is a full participant in the documentary and is remarkably clear-eyed about everything that happened all those years ago once she revealed her affair to co-worker Linda Tripp, who was tape recording their conversations. Lewinsky admits the things she did to entice President Clinton, such as wearing a thong and making sure that she bent over where he could see it, so that he would notice her during a meeting. It is worth watching the series, however, just to hear her version of the story since the “vast right-wing conspiracy” (to quote Hillary Clinton at the time) did such a good job of “slut-shaming” and “fat-shaming” (to quote Monica herself) Ms. Lewinsky that her place in history might have been a tawdry footnote. Instead, President Clinton’s involvement with the intern almost took him out completely and ended with an impeachment vote. And yet, in the end, after the investigations were concluded, lies debunked, and the blood sample matched the DNA evidence, it seemed that nobody really cared after all except for the talk show hosts and partisan politicians. After watching this series, I was left feeling pity for Monica Lewinsky and how her life was ruined by the media as well as high-ranking people who had promised to love her. Presidential politics would never be the same.
Michael Bird is a music teacher at Faulkner University.
REPORTS Continued from A2
• A suspicious person was reported on Lower River Road.
• A noise complaint was reported on Third Avenue.
• A suspicious vehicle was reported on Freeman Avenue.
• A noise complaint was reported on Third Avenue.
• A domestic incident was reported on Rickey Lane.
• Animal control was requested on Ashurst Avenue.
• Burglary was reported on Little Road.
• A domestic dispute was reported on Second Avenue.
• A motor vehicle accident with no injuries was reported on Gilmer Avenue.
• Assistance was given to a motorist on Gilmer Avenue.
• A white male was arrested during a traffic stop on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• A Black male was arrested on U.S. Highway 231.
• Assistance was given to a citizen on Barnett Boulevard.
• A civil disturbance was reported on Willow Street.
• Harassing communications was reported on Highway 229.
• Animal control was requested on Ashurst Avenue.
• A suspicious person was reported on Thelma Drive. Sept. 15
• A welfare check was conducted on Lower Tuskegee Road.
• A suspicious person was reported on Weldon Road.
IDENTITY
Continued from A1
By REA CORD HSEC Executive Director
Thankfully moving our Bark in the Park to this past Sunday resulted in a dry but, yes, hot day still with lots of fun in the park with our dogs and friends. Look for a ton of photos on our Shelter Facebook page thanks to Pam, our intrepid Photographer.
This was year 18 for Bark in the Park and, as always, Fort Toulouse was, again, perfect for our event. On behalf of our Board & Staff we so appreciate the great turnout and all these great partner exhibitors: Venice Gelato, Crepe Magic, Polar Tropical Shaved Ice, I-92 WLWI, TCH Designs, Mini and Me Jelly and Jams, Best Friends Pet Resort, Cat
Lady Bling, Camp Bow Wow Montgomery, For Healthy Pets, Fofo Pet Sitting Services, Fur Baby University, Camellia Veterinary Hospital, Furry Hearts Bakery, Montgomery Alabama Dog Obedience Club, Better Life Veterinary, The Vault Variety Shop, Vanity Fur Pet Salon & Resort, White Tail Soaps, Brittni Smith Artistry, Sunshine & Pixie Dust, MAX Credit Union, Melissa Magnoli Gourmet Spices, Kassey’s Doggy Delights, Pet Partners, Creativity in our Roots, Southpaw Healthy Homemade Dog Treats, Birdie & Louie . Please also thank these incredible Sponsors, most who have helped sponsor Bark in the Park for many, many years: Buffalo Rock
Montgomery, Tuskegee University, College of Veterinary Medicine; Blue Ridge Animal Clinic; CB &S Bank; Ark Animal Hospital; Coosa River Adventures; Gray’s Tire & Service Center; Dennis & Lynda Fain; Steve & Pat McGhehee; Collier Ford; Marla H. Wohlman M.D; DONATE, VOLUNTEER, ADOPT; Taylor Athletic Wear; HSELCO Secret Admirer; Dawg Gone Pretty Pet Salon; Cousins Insurance Agency; For Healthy Pets; Jill & Harley Samuelson; Camellia Veterinary Hospital; Castaway Animal Clinic; Champs Barbeque; Bryson Veterinary Clinic; Grier Services; Zap Pest Control; Bell Family Chiropractic, Montgomery Alabama Dog Obedience Club; Better Life Veterinary,
Frazer Church; Vault Variety Shop; Heady Scoops n Smoothies & PHOENIX the Wonder Dog! Many thanks to our Board, Volunteers & staff who manned the gate, sales tables and set up our pet related events. LT Darrell Spraggins and his K9 partner from the Wetumpka Police Department kicked us off with a demonstration that should have made it clear – don’t try to hide anything from a police K9! Dr. Andre’ Harrison excelled, as usual, as our Master of Ceremonies, conducting our Blessing of the Animals and announcing our Pet Parade & Pet Contests. We greatly appreciate David Craig for providing the sound system and music, as
three bears in a case of stolen porridge.
Gold E. Locks testified she was entitled to the porridge after an offer from Baby Bear, who had broken her window the day before. The second graders from Tallassee Elementary School and Redland Elementary didn’t give her any chase though. They found her guilty but revealing who the people behind the characters shocked even the judge. The witnesses stood before a courtroom packed full of seven year olds and revealed who played each character.
Papa Bear was Josh Taylor. The elder bear testified he saw Gold E. Locks running from the Bear home. Baby Bear proved to be Redland Elementary principal and Tallassee native Cory Eckstein.
Gold E. Locks was Redland Elementary School instructional coach Nacole Baxley, wife of the judge.
“I didn’t know it was her,” Judge Baxley said afterwards. “I knew she was coming with the school but I didn’t know she was playing a role.”
Nacole said she tried to prepare her husband for a role on the bench where two students joined him — one taking the gavel.
“I asked him if he had taken a look at the script,” Nacole said. “He had barely looked at it.”
Judge Baxley is newly appointed to the position of Elmore County District Court Judge and has spent a little more time on his real cases recently.
“I knew this was a big thing, but my wife definitely surprised me,” Judge Baxley said.
The real winners were the students. They had a chance to interact with first responders from across the county and state. Most had their equipment set up outside of the Elmore County Judicial Complex. Firefighters, conservation officers, law enforcement and more showed the students how they go about their jobs. They also got to see the “trial of the century” with Gold E. Locks being tried for the “theft of Mama Bear’s delicious porridge.”
“This is all great,” Eckstein said. “It gives our students a chance to see first responders in a non-threatening way. It lets them see the inside of a courthouse and how it works so it doesn’t seem so scary.”
well as his own talented vocals! The Pet Parade was huge, pet contests just too much fun, four happy raffle winners left with their prize baskets and just a great day seeing so many loved dogs with their owners!
We have a few of our bright lime green “Pets Make Life Better” 2024 Bark in the Park T-Shirts left and you can purchase them at our Shelter office or Tail’s End Thrift Store for $15!
And finally, our sincere thanks to all who attended and let us spend time with your beloved dogs. Look for another great year in 2025 for year 19.
Rea Cord is the executive director of the Humane Society of Elmore County.
Arrow is a 3-year old female Catahoula looking mix who weighs about 40 pounds and has the best smile. She is a bit shy at first but warms up quickly and loves head scratches. She was positive for heartworms when she came to us but completed her treatment in August and is good to go. Of course keeping her on monthly prevention is an absolute so she never gets them again. Arrow is great with other dogs and loves everyone. The Humane Society of Elmore County’s adoption fees are $100 for dogs and $50 for cats under 1 year old. Cats over 1 can be adopted by
approved adopters for a fee of their choosing. This adoption fee covers the mandatory spay or neuter, basic immunizations, deworming, microchip, heartworm check for dogs, rabies vaccination if old enough and a free health exam with your participating veterinarian. If you are interested in meeting Arrow or any of the pets at HSEC, the first step is to fill out an adoption application online. Once approved, you will be contacted by someone from the humane society. HSEC is located at 255 Central Plank Road in Wetumpka. The phone number is 334-567-3377 and the website is www.elmorehumane.org.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Heady Scoops and Smoothies is many things to many people. It’s a date-night stop with ice cream and arcade. Others like its pizza and milkshakes. But it started with something a little different 10 years ago this month, according to co-owner Lisa Wright. “We opened as a boutique,” Wright said. “But we actually wanted to do an ice cream shop. We just started with other things and went from there.” The idea of an ice cream
shop started with Wright’s husband Philip Heady.
“He has always wanted an ice cream shop since he was young,” Wright said. “It’s a feel-good story for him as it lets him reminisce about his childhood.” Heady grew up in New Jersey. After baseball games, a trip to an ice cream shop was almost always on the agenda.
“We were able to add the ice cream shop three years ago,” Wright said. Along the way, Heady’s Scoops and Smoothies has supported the community.
“We are humbled by it all,” Wright said. “We love the support we get.”
It has allowed the couple a chance to add an arcade, event space, pizza, wraps, salads and catering. It all serves the wants of the community surrounding
“We try to support youth baseball teams, yearbooks and others when they ask,” Wright said. “We try to do what we can to support causes we care about. The Humane Society of Elmore County is one of those organizations we care deeply about.” The support has been returned. It has allowed Heady Scoops and Smoothies to grow and expand.
the shop on U.S. Highway 231 on the southside of Wetumpka.
The support has been so great Heady Scoops and Smoothies was selected as Best Overall Business in the 2024 Best of Elmore County publication from Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. The community also voted the business Best Ice Cream Sundae and Milkshake, Best Pizza, Best Date Night, Best Nutrition Drink, Best Party Rentals and Best Overall Restaurant.
“We are very excited that the community supports us so greatly,” Wright said.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
The Minnifields have been in Red Land for generations.
But some in the community are upset about how many businesses and even a road are using Redland instead of Red Land. Vanzette Minnifield asked the Elmore County Commission about using the historical name instead of the condensed version.
“It’s been Red Land,” Minnifield said. “We are losing our history with Redland.” Minnifield noted the name Red
Land comes from the color of the soil in the area which was used for a number of things including pottery made on nearby Jug Factory Road. The commission said there was little it could do with how private businesses name themselves and that the only real place Minnifield could take her request is the E911 Board.
“They are responsible for the naming of roads in the county,” commission chair Bart Mercer said. At the meeting the commission was busy appointing residents to
project at the top is the first done.
is on the ordered list doesn’t mean the
“All of the projects can move up and down,” Dennis said. “We had an expan -
various boards. There were four applicants for three positions on the Elmore County E-911 Board.
Commissioner Desirae Lewis Jackson nominated Coosada police chief Leon Smith Jr. but the measure failed due to a second.
The commission appointed Elmore County EMA director Keith Barnett, Eclectic police chief Robert Head and Millbrook fire chief Larry Brown.
The commission appointed Richard Langford to the Ridge Improvement District Board to replace Tom Lamberth who retired.
The commission appointed
sion at Airport Road Intermediate School in the works because of increasing population. But when we got ready to go to bid, the numbers weren’t there.”
It is still there but much further down the list.
State grants are allowing for the construction of a new security entrance at Wetumpka Elementary School and new shop for diesel mechanics at Elmore County Technical Center.
Turf fields for baseball, football and softball were pipe dreams for the schools. The priority of the projects was much lower than classrooms. But things change when there is a funding source.
The Elmore County Commission is providing the funds as part of its quality of life projects across the county. The turf fields were put high on the list thanks to a survey.
The boards of education are providing very little funding. The
Emilie Johnson, John Strickland, Harris Garner, Rhett Smith and Art Faulkner to the Elmore County Industrial Development Authority Board.
Meridian Waste representative Gentry Shows spoke to the commission about a recent merger between Meridian and Arrow Disposal Services. The company will use the Meridian names but will operate under Arrow’s contract with Elmore County and four of its municipalities. It will continue to use the same curbside carts, equipment and personnel.
IN OTHER ACTION THE ELMORE COUNTY COMMISSION:
• Approved minutes of the Sept.
biggest is in Eclectic to help rectify issues between the football and baseball fields. Even some of those funds are coming from the county commission after bids for the turf fields came in under budget.
“We will have to help some there,” Dennis said. “But it’s for things such as sidewalks and stands that we would have to do.”
In Tallassee a competitive track is in the works. It will go on property Tallassee City Schools already owns behind Tallassee Elementary School.
Superintendent Dr. Brock Nolin said the project is in the design phase.
“We mainly need to move some fill dirt there,” Nolin said. “The back of the school has most of the needed parking, we mainly need to get it to grade.”
The project will hopefully go out to bid soon. The work will include bringing in necessary fill dirt and constructing a track surface.
“It will not affect the playground that is already there,” Nolin said.
Wetumpka High School’s theater program is operating in the school’s cafete -
Continued
assault occurred Sept. 8. Wilks said the sis ter
9 meeting.
• Approved the memorandum of warrants in the amount of $1889,455.68 for the time frame for Sept. 1 to Sept. 13.
• Approved budget amendments for fiscal year 2024 to account for grants and other funding at the end of the fiscal year.
• Approved a three year renewal contract with the Alabama County Commission Association for workers compensation insurance.
• Approved revisions to the Elmore County Commission Public Information Policy to comply with new state legislation.
The next meeting of the Elmore County Commission is scheduled for 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15.
ria. It has wanted its own space for years.
Growth is dictating classrooms at many schools, especially in Holtville and Eclectic, but funding is needed.
“Those projects are on the list but have zeros as to where the funding is coming from,” Dennis said. “Those projects will require major funds.”
Projects such as expanding the county school’s virtual program may sound counterintuitive. But a small investment allows more students to enroll. Doing so allows funding for more teacher units but those units don’t always stay at the virtual school.
“They can be spread around,” Dennis said. “We currently are using some of the teachers funding there at other schools. Expanding the virtual school should mean we can get more teachers funded.”
New schools will likely require the county system to go back to the public for a funding mechanism as costs for each project is estimated to be $50 million or more, especially considering recent construction costs.
The Elmore County Board of Education
was told the victim was in Buckhannon’s brother’s apartment and walked in to find something disturbing.
“She saw (Buckhannon) on top of the victim,” Wilks said. “(The victim) was cryinging and fully nude. The defendant was nude from the waist down and holding a gun.”
Buckhannon left the apartment shortly after and police were called to the scene.
The incident started earlier that Sunday morning at the Marathon on Jordan Avenue. Wilks said two witnesses saw the victim in distress as she encountered Buckhannon.
Buckhannon’s brother, Tony Hutchinson, testified he knew the victim as she had been to his apartment multiple times. He said she came up to his brother, who is married, asking for $20 and a piece of fish in exchange for sexual favors. Buckhannon put gas in the victim’s car. Then Hutchinson and Buckhannon followed the victim back to the apartment. When Buckhannon left the apartment, some witnesses said he was clothed while others said he was nude from the waist down. All witnesses said the
sold $50 million in bonds in 2019 and it allowed the construction of Redland Middle School, renovations at ECTC, Stanhope Elmore, new roofs on Eclectic schools and the addition to the Holtville Child Development Program. Other needs are expanding the Eclectic and Wetumpka Child Development facilities. It’s easier in Eclectic where the existing facility is adjacent to the elementary school. In Wetumpka the idea is to create an expanded facility on the elementary school site. There is also a great need for child development in the Redland community Those projects will likely cause any performing arts facility in Wetumpka to either be pushed back or built not as nice.
“On any of these projects, if someone comes forward with funding, it can make it work,” Dennis said. “In the case of Wetumpka, there is a want for a $10 million facility but without help, we will have to find ways to trim it way back. The school board could likely only go about $4 to $5 million on it. There are just so many needs in the county.”
victim left the apartment nude. Moments later, the victim and victim’s sister claimed rape. Hutchinson said there was no gun.
The brother and Buckhannon’s other family members who testified said the convicted felon hasn’t had a gun since his release from prison in 2017. The victim was taken for a sexual assault exam but the results were not back in time for the hearing.
Goggans said it was up to a jury to decide which witnesses were more credible.
Court records state Buckhannon has been convicted of third-degree escape, two counts of possession of a forged instrument, second-degree robbery and third-degree robbery
He was paroled in 2017 and according to Buckhannon’s attorney Walter Northcutt, has had no issues and has been employed full time.
Goggans instructed Buckhannon he has the right to ask for a preliminary hearing. There are currently no pending court dates for him. If there is no preliminary hearing, the case will be presented to an Elmore County Grand Jury at a future date.
ans Christian Andersen wrote some of the most popular children’s stories of modern times. Marred by poverty and an unhappy childhood, at 14, Hans left his parents’ home and fled, alone, to Copenhagen. Jonas Collin, the director of the Royal Theater, took care of the young child by giving him a place to live and some work. Being inspired by theater work, Hans began to write his first plays, stories, books, and poems. A little known trivial fact is he was born with dyslexia. Although he learned to read,
he could never spell properly, and his manuscripts were corrected by his publishers. One of Han’s most famous simple stories was “The Ugly Duckling.” The story illustrates the significant truth that people who seem worthless can have great value indeed. It also reminds us that the transformation from ugly duckling to beautiful swan can take time and will probably involve some heartaches along the way. Still, the end result makes the process worthwhile. Perhaps the writer who penned these words to a hymn
was thinking of the ugly duckling when he wrote, “it took Him just a week to make the Moon and Stars, the Sun and the Earth and Jupiter and Mars, but He’s still working on me.” The end result of the ugly duckling is the same as the purpose God has for each of us. A famous quote of Andersen was, “Every man’s life is a fairy tale written by God’s fingers” and how true! Moses experienced many struggles as he moved through life. He had trouble speaking so God appointed Aaron as Moses’ prophet, (Exodus
4:10-17, 7:1), Aaron stood by the side of his brother and did the speaking!!! When Moses finally submitted his will to God, wonderful changes began to take place. These changes affected Moses, and a whole nation found new hope and purpose. Whatever stage we are in now, God has some growth planned for each of us. That growth won’t always be what we would choose. There will be times it will be very difficult. But without it, we will never become the truly beautiful creations God intends us
JACKIE WILBOURN Columnist
to be. No matter how difficult our growing experience might be, let us remember we know that You love us more than we understand, since Your love sacrificed Your Son for us. Help us realize that through these growing experiences, we can become what You want. We can go from being an “ugly duckling” to a faithful disciple, God can do it!
Jackie Wilbourn, member of Bethel Baptist Church, is a chaplain with the Alabama Disaster Relief Team.
Phone: 334-283-6568
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www.TallasseeTribune.com
Sophomore Jaaliyah Williams also found herself in the end zone on three occasions. Her speed and elusiveness proved difficult to defend against. She would take pitches for long gains, zig-zagging through the defenders accruing two 30-yard rushing touchdowns.
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
Tallassee’s flag football team took away another win over Valley coming away with a 35-13 victory in the second matchup of the season.
The Tiger’s quarterback and safety Regan Easterwood took over against the Rams. Not only did she make her way to the end zone twice, rushing and throwing, but she also reeled in three interceptions.
Sophomore Jaaliyah Williams also found herself in the endzone on three occasions. Her speed and elusiveness proved difficult to defend against. She would take pitches for long gains, zig-zagging through the defenders accruing two 30-yard rushing touchdowns.
Defensively, Tallassee gave Valley fits in addition to the two interceptions for Easterwoods. In the first half, Valley tried to take advantage of having the center sneak out for short pass-
es, which resulted in them reaching the end zone for its first touchdown of the day.
“They were kind of flipping it to the center right there,” Tallassee coach Pat Love said. “Once we started going from the outside-in on a rush, we kind of took that play out. They didn’t kind of have anything else to kind of go with it.”
Without their play to the center, the Rams had no consistent way of driving the ball down the field. As a result, the Tigers took control of the second half both offensively and defensively.
“We were kind of a little inconsistent at the very beginning,” Love said. “We locked in right there toward the end. They played pretty good, we didn’t have our best offense or defense in the first half right there, but we wound up putting it all together in the second half.”
Although Tallassee came away with a dominant win over Valley there were still some things they needed to clean up before the end
of the season. Easterwood was not afraid to target her receivers down the field, but even on wide-open looks the Tallassee receivers were unable to come down with the passes.
“We got to quit dropping passes,” Love said. “We run good routes, and then we drop wide open passes. That hurt us in the Catholic game right there and that hurt us actually in the first half. We dropped two balls that should have been touchdowns, and then we dropped another one right here in the third quarter, we’ve got to catch them and got to score on them.”
However, the Tigers piled up two back-to-back wins of the Rams. They were still able to flip a switch in the second half to come away with a victory.
“I thought our whole defense right there in the second half did really well,” Love said. “We run the ball, and I think just the whole team, all 12 of them, did great.”
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
HOLTVILLE (1-3) VS MAPLESVILLE (4-0)
THE PLAYERS
HOLTVILLE: RB
Daishaun Zeigler is a dynamic running back capable of leading the offense. …QB Jacob Burgess is able to get things done through the air and on the ground. … DL Anthony Chunn a dominant pass rusher for the Bulldogs.
MAPLESVILLE: QB Perace Yeargan has completed 25 of 45 pass attempts for 334 yards and 7 TDs. … RB Roman Hall leads the team with 493 rushing yards and 5 TDs. …DL Von Woofds leads the team with 2 sacks.
FOUR DOWNS
Last week, Holtville had a bye week; Maplesville beat Autauga Academy, 21-20.
Maplesville averages 42.3 points per game on offense.
Maplesville leads in all-time matchups, 7-5. The two teams have not matched up since 1995 when Maplesville won 55-6.
NEXT UP: Holtville hosts Beauregard; Maplesville hosts Autaugaville.
EDGEWOOD (1-2) VS LOWNDES ACADEMY (3-0)
THE PLAYERS
EDGEWOOD: Last week, DB Landon SMith finished the game with 1 INT. …QB Brock Whitt completed 11 of 19 pass attempts for 120 yards; added 85 yards rushing on 18 carries and 1 TD. …WR Avery
Haskew caught four passes for 43 yards.
FOUR DOWNS
Last week, Edgewood fell to Valiant Cross, 26-17; Lowndes beat Sparta Academy, 44-6.
Lowndes is averaging 44.3 points a game on offense.
Lowndes leads in alltime matchups, 14-8. Last year, Edgewood lost 35-0 to Lowndes.
NEXT UP: Edgewood hosts Crenshaw County Academy; Lowndes hosts Clarke Prep.
STANHOPE ELMORE (2-2) VS SMITHS STATION (0-5) THE PLAYERS
STANHOPE ELMORE: RB Arthur McQueen rushed for 841 yards on 101 carries. … QB Zac Holcombe completed 9 of 13 passes for 113 yards and 1 TD; added 204 yards rushing. … DL Kamran Anderson leads the team with 9 sacks and 11 tackles for loss.
FOUR DOWNS
Last week, Stanhope Elmore had a bye week; Smiths Station lost to Opelika, 50-0. Smiths Station has allowed 39.6 points per game.
Stanhope Elmore averages 330.75 rushing yards across four games this season. SMith Stations leads in the all-time matchups, 8-4.
WETUMPKA (2-3) VS E UFAULA (3-2) THE PLAYERS
WETUMPKA: RB Jimmy
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
1.
4.
8.
9.
By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
Wetumpka broke its three-game losing streak against Rehobeth last Friday night, and with a bye week looming in the distance, the team is looking to add another win.
Although the Indians dropped three straight games after starting the season with a win, they were all lost by one possession, proving they could easily fight with whoever is lined up in front of them.
“All three games came down to the last possession,” Woods said. “You take away one play from any of those games, and we’re undefeated at this point. Our locker room understands that we expect to win. We expect to be in those positions, and we also learned our identity as a football team through that adversity.”
Wetumpka travels to Eufaula for its third road game of the season and knows the passing attack is something that it will need to keep its eyes on. Eufaula quarterback Ty McCoy is not only a dynamic threat as a passer but also can take off as a runner.
“On the offensive side
of the ball it runs through their quarterback,” Woods said. “Athletic guy who can make some throws and makes a lot of plays in the run game as well. We’re going to have our hands full because of the quarterback being such a dynamic player. Coach
(Jerrell) Jernigan also knows how to game plan and find some areas to attack opponents.”
To combat against what the Tigers bring to the table offensively, Woods will lean on his secondary to step up. Defensively the Indians have played great, allowing only 17.2 points per game.
“It’s going to have to be our back end defensively, which includes our linebackers,” Woods said.
“Our linebackers and DBs are going to have to tackle well in space. They’re going to have to be able to be precise in our coverages and our looks to stop any explosive plays, that’s with the quarterback running the ball and throwing the ball. It has to be our back end defensively, and our defense has been outstanding the entire year.”
Offensively, Wetumpka has slowly been able to get in a rhythm due in large part to the performance of running back
Jimmy King. He has put up back-to-back weeks of over 150 rushing yards, but Woods knows Eufaula’s size will try to limit his success on Friday.
“They have a sizable defensive line and linebackers that have been very productive in the film that we watched,” Woods said. “I know that’s always a good thing for a team who has a big defensive line, so we’re being sure that we’re able to put together a game plan that’s going to be able to put us in a good spot to be able to handle that defensive line for four quarters. They run to the football, great effort team, and they tackle well in space.”
The all-time matchups between the two squads are tied at 4-4, but the teams have not played against each other since the 2017 season. Wetumpka looks to add another win to its record before its bye week, but know they have what it takes to flip the script.
“It’s always been competitive games (against Eufaula),” Woods said.
“It’ll be the first time that I travel down there to play Eufaula as the head coach, we’re looking forward to it.”
said. “We don’t have to stress about everything. You can just work together and work through it.” They are both in the school’s show choirs. The full plate of fine arts in high school has allowed Glasscock to find a large group of friends across classes who helped her find her way.
“I gained a bunch of senior friends that showed me the ropes
Continued from B1
King has 76 carries for 566 rushing yards and 4 TDs. …WR Martez Wright has 14 catch -
Continued from B1
Wetumpka coach Bear Woods said. “Rehoboth, hats off to them, they run a single-wing offensive which means they hold the ball for a very long time. We had three offensive plays in the first quarter, we had one series. Rehoboth held the ball the whole first quarter. So when we got to halftime we just decided we’re just going to commit to the running.”
The emergence of King was something that essentially came out of nowhere. In the first three games of the season, Wetumpka combined for just 240 yards. In the past two, Wetumpka has rushed for 684, with King accounting for 438 by himself.
His production has only catapulted the offense to new heights going forward, something that Woods appreciates.
“It’s paramount to have a premier running back
when I was a freshman,” Glasscock said. “They helped me with stuff that I know shaped me as who I am today, especially as it made me come out of my shell more. I’m definitely more confident as a person.”
Parker admits he is very social and outgoing. Band and the performing arts fit right into his life.
“It really helps fill my social needs,” Parker said. “It allows me to be who I am, be more creative, express what I want to do, how I want to do it, and it gives you a lot of freedom.”
es for 206 receiving yards and 3 TDs. …LB Logan Gaare leads the team with 55 tackles and 11 tackles for loss.
FOUR DOWNS
Last week, Wetump -
that I think is the best in this area,” Woods said. “What he does and his style of running the best, it gives you a chance. Early in our season, Jimmy didn’t play against Chelsea, the game we lost by one point. So our locker room knows, ‘Hey, with a healthy Jimmy, we have a chance.’”
King’s job for the rest of the season is to continue at the pace he’s going, with Woods looking for him to stand out in other roles to help propel the offense.
“One, to protect the football, Second is to block when he needs to block,” Woods said. “We have our quarterback, Tyler Johnson, that we require some good pass protection for him. Then as a ball carrier, just be Jimmy King, which is being dynamic and finish runs, that’s what we need. We don’t ask him to do any more than any other position, it’s just do your job. When he does his job he does it very well.”
He said his fellow bandmates and choir members are more than just members of a team.
“It’s a family,” Parker said. “Everyone’s nice has friends.” They used the experience off the field to help Glasscock’s father Robby Glasscock pull together a Greenday themed halftime show. It’s a show they have already performed at halftime of Tallassee football games and at the Elmore County Night of Bands last week.
“It’s been fun,” Parker said. “It’s amazing to see what we can do when we put our minds to it.”
ka beat Rehobeth, 34-19; Eufaula beat Carroll, 41-7. Wetumpka averaged 184.8 rushing yards per game. The all-time matchups between the two
For
teams are tied at 4-4.
The teams have not played each other since 2017 where Wetumpka won 48-24.
NEXT UP: Wetumpka hosts Percy Julian; Eufaula at Greenville.
The Indians face another road opponent before their bye week, but the opposing Tiger will attempt to slow down the standout running back. However, the offense will continue to give the ball to their playmaker to finish the season off better than it started.
“You go back-toback weeks with it too, but that region games,” Woods said. “What he’s been able to do, obviously individually and collectively as an offense with him, it’s been fun. We got to keep it going this week.”
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By SAMUEL HIGGS Sports Reporter
Elmore County vol -
leyball fell in a nail-biter to Wetumpka 3-2 Monday night, but the girls never gave up at any point in the night. Even with the constant momentum shifts throughout the night, the Panther fed off of the impressive crowd to put forth some great sets against the Indians. There were countless examples of the girls on the floor battling to come away with every point they could. This is not the first time Wetumpka and Elmore County have faced off against each other. Although this was the first time both teams saw each other in the regular season most of the summer involved matches between one another.
“I saw the girls fight really hard,” Coach Kim Moncrief said. “They’re coming off of a really good weekend at our tournament, and they really wanted this game. We’ve played them a few times over the summer. We played them in a tournament earlier in the year, and I just think tonight, they played them better than they played them all year.”
The Panthers faced a slight disadvantage considering the number of girls on the Indians’ roster who have played travel volleyball. However, even with the experience presented on Monday night, the Panthers were not backing down.
“They were up to the challenge,” Moncrief said. “We knew Wetumpka is a good team. A lot of them play club ball, and a lot of ours don’t. So we knew we have to work really hard during the season, because we don’t have a lot to work outside of the season. I think that they stepped up to that challenge. I think it could have been anybody’s match.”
Most of the season has involved Elmore County taking on the task of matching up with teams in a higher classification, which was part of the plan for the team. The schedule they have is to prepare them for the postseason ahead when they would have to face tougher teams.
“We’ve played up all year just about, we’re 5A and (Wetumpka) is 6A,” Moncrief said. “We like to play challenging teams, and they know it helps them get better. So I’m hoping that this will help us in our 5A playoffs when we come up against strong teams to be able to battle it out and not give up.”
Although the Panthers did not come away with a victory against the Indians, they are still in a good place to make their way through their region and have success in the playoffs. Until then, the Panthers will look to add some more wins to their record before they match up against 5A Area 7 opponents.
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
Lots of work has happened at Panther Palace over the last few years.
Now it’s secure thanks to funding from Mid-South RC&D Council.
“We were able to use the $15,000 in funding to purchase and install security cameras,” Eclectic Mayor Gary Davenport said. “It’s working now and we are currently working a case of vandalism here caught by the cameras.”
The mayor said not much could be released about the vandalism at the moment as the case is still under investigation and the suspect is believed to be a juvenile.
Davenport said the camera system is monitored 24/7 and is routed to the Eclectic Police Department. It protects the efforts of the town and others who have rebuilt
the playground and made other improvements throughout the park.
“The old playground was falling apart and half the equipment didn’t work,” Davenport said. “This is a project that took about five to six years in the process. With help from grants and local companies like Hercules we have been able to put something special together.”
Panther Palace was constructed in the late 1980s and early 1990s and in the last few years the playground equipment needed replacing. Hercules specializes in playground equipment and provided the low bid for the project. Before installation, contractors worked on providing drainage in the area.
“We have several springs here,” Davenport said.
“Workers had to dig down and install drains to get the water to the drainage system.”
By CLIFF WILLIAMS News Editor
show and a little bit of the Big Apple — a 30-foot Empire State Building to the 50-yard line to help celebrate county bands. The show included a Central Park bench with a light post. It all helped create a show the ECHS band has become known for.
Maroon Machine members played the role of actors trying to make it in New York.
“They have this big dream,” ECHS band director Dallas Hammond said. “They then work really hard and come back to achieve it.”
Along the way the actors take a seat on
the bench after musicians use it as a prop for the show
Songs include some of Hammond’s favorites from Billy and Glee.
“What show about the Big Apple is not complete without New York, New York,” Hammond said. “This has been really fun.”
The town was able to get much of what it wanted done in the park. Security cameras were not a high priority so the funds went to other things in the park. State Rep. Troy Stubbs said such projects are what RC&D is for.
“You didn’t need security cameras at a park 20 years ago,” Stubbs said. “The technology may not have been available as needed, and you probably really didn’t have the issues that we have now.”
Stubbs said the state funding will allow the security cameras to help prevent future vandalism.
“You don’t want to fence it in and block everybody from being able to use the park, but you also need to monitor for public safety purposes,” Stubbs said.
“Now, if something does happen here at the park, it’s not a, he said, she said thing. We can see what happened.”
